Equine Morbillivirus Pneumonia (Hendra Virus Infection)

Hendra virus is a newly identified virus seen so far only in Australia and Papua New Guinea. The viral agent is commonly found in specific species of fruit bats (also called flying foxes), and close contact among horses and these bats is suspected to have caused transfer of the virus to horses. The disease, called equine morbillivirus pneumonia, develops in horses that are infected by direct contact with the virus particles in urine, saliva, and respiratory secretions. Humans in very close contact with infected horses can become infected as well and develop flu-like symptoms.